Trojans end Lions’ run

DIV. 4 BOYS SOCCER

FITCHBURG — Two-time defending North sectional champion Boston International hoped it could make the leap to state champion in last night’s Division 4 title match against Bromfield.

It was the top-ranked Central champion Trojans though, who have been a freight train all season, that came out on top, 3-0 over the second-seeded Lions at Fitchburg State.

BROMFIELD 3 BOSTON INTERNATIONAL 0

For Bromfield (22-1-0), the win is particularly special as it comes in Tom Hill’s 41st and final season as coach.

“It’s nice to end it this way this year with one of my all-time favorite teams,” said Hill after winning his ninth state crown. “We had a lot of kids working hard over the summer and over the course of the year. … It’s just so great to coach in this place.”

Bromfield opened the scoring in the 20th minute when John Armstrong led a streaking Charlie Pappas, who snuck behind the Lions defense and struck one off the fingertips of goalie Helder Vaz (six saves).

Pappas tacked on his second goal in the 45th minute, and Armstrong added insurance in the 53rd, heading home a free kick by Patrick Flanagan.

The Trojans defense was staunch following the first tally, stifling any attack that the Lions (17-3-2) tried to muster in the final 60 minutes of play.